Kevin Kilbane
Ex-Republic of Ireland international on BBC Radio 5 live

That Italy team doesn't strike me with any fear. If I was playing against that side I would be confident of getting something.

For logistical reasons I managed to miss Gigi Buffon's national anthem singing in both of Italy's first two games. And now he's been rested.

Gutted. 

Thankfully, it's a simple equation facing the Republic this evening.

The Republic of Ireland will qualify with a win – they are out with any other result.

A win guarantees at least a third-placed finish. The only way Ireland can finish second is if they win and Sweden also beat Belgium – with Ireland’s winning margin at least two goals greater than Sweden’s.

Got that? Say Sweden win 1-0 and Ireland win 3-0, then Ireland will finish second.

It's all fairly straightforward. Get a win, and the party continues.

Image source, Getty Images

Italy v Republic of Ireland 

Sweden v Belgium

The Republic need a win and Martin O'Neill has made four changes - he's changed both centre-backs and James McClean and Daryl Murphy also come in. Bold.

Italy make eight changes. 

Image source, Getty Images

Beat Italy in Lille tonight and the Republic of Ireland will join England, Wales and Northern Ireland in the last 16 of Euro 2016. Sounds simple enough. Right?

There is the small problem that Ireland have only beaten Italy once in a competitive fixture. But, if Jack Charlton's team of journeymen, has-beens and youngsters could beat the Italy of Baggio, Maldini and Baresi in the 1994 World Cup, then why can't this current side see off a ragtag selection in blue which has been widely labelled as 'the worst Italian team in 50 years?'

Image source, PA

Somewhere on the scarred Stade Pierre-Mauroy surface this evening, a new hero could emerge. The new Ray Houghton.

A miskick, a bobble, a penalty, a mistake - the Republic of Ireland will take it.

Beat a much-changed, half-cocked Italy and you're through.

Image source, Getty Images

In a week of mind-boggling permutations, possibilities and perhaps-what-should-have-beens Martin O'Neill and Roy Keane arguably have the easiest team talk of the lot.

Over to you lads...